“The security threats to U.S. critical infrastructure span the digital divide” Presented by Idaho National Labs this October in Sacramento

The security threats to U.S. critical infrastructure span the digital divide. Resent attacks, like those in the Ukraine, blend the cyber and physical environment to cause confusion within and damage to the production environment. Modern cyber defense requires sophisticated operational tactics and strategies. Although, cyber hygiene is essential for fending off the daily barrage of lower level threats that can impair an organization’s performance, few companies are prepared for a targeted attack on their core operational processes from an advanced adversary.

If it can be programmed, it can be hacked. This daunting reality facing our interconnected and digital environments has been described as a battle to be won every day by cybersecurity professionals.

Control systems present unprecedented challenges as they are transitioned to a modern architecture based on digital control systems and increasingly wireless communications systems. This transition creates a paradox – more efficient, effective operation, but dramatically increased vulnerabilities and attack surfaces.

INL’s unparalleled capabilities in nuclear nonproliferation and cybersecurity are fundamentally changing how the nation and world approach complex threats to nuclear assets, energy systems and cyber-physical systems.

• Comprehensive instrumentation and control, cyber and nuclear nonproliferation capabilities with similar nuclear infrastructure and examination equipment found worldwide.

• INL’s full-scale infrastructure includes; isolated, industry scale power grid, water and telecommunication distribution systems to provide an expansive and unique test site that can replicate critical services across a region or municipality.

• Inclusive nuclear security approach that allows for field and laboratory technology evaluation.

• Replication of typical control system network for architecture reviews and system hygiene to support asset owners in securing their systems.

• Frameworks for prioritization of investments and threat indicators to inform and advanced security profile for high-consequence operations.

Safeguarding critical infrastructure including the power grid, nuclear materials and facilities is inextricably linked to the cybersecurity of the command and control environment.

These environments are complicated by instrumentation and controls that are continuously connected with information technology and wireless communications.

An integrated cyber physical security approach is essential to address the resiliency of the power and nuclear installations and continuity of operations.

INL’s world-leading cyber and industrial control systems security experts are changing the way the nation and the world meet the unique security demands of operational environments.

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